Free and Fun Things to Do This Weekend for Boston Kids: Wizard of Oz, Chinese New Year, Man=Carrot, and More, January 28-29

1/26/12 - By Audrey Trieschman

It’s already the last weekend of January, and our calendar is filled with things to do with kids in Boston. From the opening of Wheelock Family Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz on Friday to Chinatown’s Chinese New Year celebration on Sunday, we’ve got you covered.

Families can enjoy other shows like Fancy Nancy, magic with David Garrity, and Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights in concert. The annual Bread and Puppet Theatre performance - Man = Carrot Circus - is an entertaining option for families and a personal favorite. Note: this is not your traditional puppet show!

Calvin's Monster Ticket Giveaway: Boston Children's Theatre's latest production, Calvin's Monster, comes to the Boston Center for the Arts for two weekends, beginning February 4, and a Mommy Poppins Boston family can win free tickets to see the show. Just send me an email to enter.

Read on for all our picks for the weekend, and visit our calendar for other events.

Enjoy!

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The Wizard of Oz - Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston
Opens Friday, 1/27

L. Frank Baum’s American classic celebrates the heart’s journey to friendship, inner strength, and the true meaning of home. Based on the MGM movie and adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Performances are Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm, and during school vacation week at 1pm. Tickets: $20-$30


Man = Carrot Circus with Bread and Puppet Theater - Boston Center for the Arts, Boston
Saturday 1/28 & Sunday 1/29

Performed by the Bread & Puppet Company, along with a large number of local volunteer puppeteers and musicians, this is not your traditional puppet show. The family-friendly Man = Carrot Circus is based on the revelation that an upright man rooted in dirt was created in the image of the upright carrot rooted in dirt. After each performance, the audience is welcome to examine all the masks and puppets. Tickets: Adults $12; Children $6


David Garrity Presents Magic & Beyond - Regent Theatre, Arlington
Saturday, 1/28

Magic Month at the Regent Theatre continues with David Garrity’s one-man illusion show. Tickets: Adults $10; Children $8


Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights - Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline
Saturday, 1/28

Joanie Leeds’ tuneful melodies and rich, funny and thoughtful child-respecting lyrics give depth and irresistible zip to songs about sunglasses at the beach, goodnight hugs, popcorn popping and creative blame-shifting. Adults $9.75; Children $7.75


International Children’s Film Festival - Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
Saturday, 1/28

The day is devoted to family films and includes a keynote address by New England’s own Huey of Films by Huey. Families can view selections created by children, teens, and professional filmmakers; learn about the filmmaking process through demonstrations and hands-on activities; plus create their own animation device in a workshop led by local artist Renato Riccioni; and see a world-premiere screening. Cost: Up to 2 adults admitted free with children ages 6-12


Groundhog Day Extravaganza - Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
Saturday, 1/28

Activities throughout the afternoon include nature hikes, snow sculptures, a groundhog obstacle course, crafts, refreshments, and more. The official groundhog celebration takes place at 2pm in the barn. Dress warmly as many of the activities will be outdoors. Call to reserve your place. Cost: Adults $9; Children $7


Climate Week 2012, continued - Brookline

The annual event featuring over 40 events and displays across town wraps up this weekend. Visit the website to download a printable map of all the events, activities, times and locations. Of note is the EcoArt Worksop with Artbarn Community Theater staff and actors geared to ages 5 & up but open to all. At New England Institute of Art (Saturday, 3pm-4:30pm). Free


Daughter of Winter: A Day Long Celebration - Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester
Saturday, 1/28

The museum hosts a day of events that celebrate the story of Daughter of Winter, a novel based in mid-19th century Essex. Activities include a visit from Plimoth Plantation, drop-in art and history activities, and a discussion with the book’s author, Pat Lowery Collins. Free


Fancy Nancy, Duck for President & Other Storybooks - Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, Newton
Sunday, 1/29

Fancy Nancy and Duck for President headline a musical revue of six best-selling children’s stories. The cast also presents Leonardo, the Terrible Monster; Let’s Do Nothing; Babymouse, the Musical; and Pirates Don’t Change Diapers. Shows are at 11am & 1pm. Tickets: $12


Chinese New Year Celebration - Chinatown, Boston
Sunday, 1/29

Chinatown celebrates the New Year with parades throughout the day, the famous Lion Parade, great food and other special activities. Free